2.3. Study design

Our study was divided into three phases. First, we developed and tested a clustering method for detecting grizzly bear predation sites comparing random GPS points to clusters (Figure 3). Second, we developed and applied a field sampling design using the cluster detection method to identify high‐probability activity sites before field visit (Figure 4). Finally, we formulated models based on space–time cluster characteristics to detect predation or scavenging sites and prey carcass size.

Sampled random GPS locations visited in 2006–2007 and labeled according to whether they fell within (gray squares) or outside of (white triangles) clusters. GPS clusters were generated a posteriori

Visited STPSS clusters of GPS locations in 2013–2014 of collared grizzly bears tracked in the Kakwa region of west‐central Alberta, Canada. Sampled GPS cluster locations are shown and labeled according to whether a cluster was found and confirmed as predation event (X) and no predation (dot)